CCHS presents ‘A Ceremony of Carols; A Christmas Celebration’

Music is in Tom Fleming’s DNA, and for the past 36 years, he has worked with music students at all levels to bring the gift of a universal language to thousands of people.

Although Fleming officially retired in June, he returned to his familiar stool in the music room for another year to direct the choir and band because the school district couldn’t fill his position. He still bring the same passion, though, by instilling the love of music with his students. He said more than 200 students are enrolled in all the music programs with 78 musicians in the marching band.

Since the beginning of the school year, he’s been working with his students for this year’s “A Ceremony of Carols, A Christmas Celebration” on Dec. 6 and Dec. 7 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church parish hall.

“We will use the money to fund the music program,” Fleming said of the next month’s Christmas celebration. “It’s not a concert but a whole experience.”

For the two-night performance, Fleming said the choir, strings and jazz band, along with the orchestra, will provide music, and other students will serve the meals. Prior to the event, Fleming said adults and students will decorate the parish hall to give it a festive feel of the Renaissance era.

“The Ceremony of Carols festival takes place after dinner,” Fleming said, explaining part of the celebration will have the appearance of a madrigal. “We’ll have a lot of Christmas and festival songs.”

Fleming said the stunts will perform Christmas and holiday songs and will also feature solos.

“This really shows off the students’ talents,” Fleming said.

The intimacy of the parish hall also lends itself well to the performance. Fleming said large, round table seat eight, and the audiences enjoy the atmosphere of the event.

“The kids love it, the audience loves it,” Fleming added.

As with previous dinners, Fleming said a royal and court will introduce three couples including the king and queen, Gary and Kathy Jamieson.

Fleming said the students performed for one night but because of the demand for tickets, “A Ceremony of Carols, A Christmas Celebration” added another night. He said tickets are $25 each or a table for eight for $200. All seats are reserved for the show that begins at 6:30 p.m. each night. This festive event includes music, a royal court, a four-course dinner featuring tri-tip steak and holiday cheer for family and friends. A silent auction and raffle round out this memorable event.

Tickets may be purchased at the Churchill County High School Office at One Greenwave Circle.

November and December are busy months for the CCHS music program. The band recently competed in the Sierra Band Crusade at the University of Nevada, and the choir will perform at the Christmas tree lighting in Dec. 6. Fleming said the musicians will perform at the William N. Pennington Life Center on Dec. 12 at 10:15 a.m.

“The seniors are always asking for us to come over,” Fleming said. “We have a lot of old standards the people at the senior center are familiar with.”